McLEAN, SIR GEORGE (1834-1917) was born in Scotland, the son of James McLean, of Sootston Hill, Elgin, and was educated at the Elgin Grammar School and at St Andrew's University. In 1852 he emigrated to Melbourne, where he was employed first in the Colonial Bank of Australia, and later in the Oriental Bank.

In 1862 he came to New Zealand as manager of the Dunedin branch of the Bank of New Zealand, a position he resigned in 1865 to become a partner in the firm of Cargill and McLean. In 1867 he married Isabel, daughter of Matthew Holmes. In 1874, owing to ill-health, he retired from business, devoting himself thereafter to his financial interests, public life and horseracing. McLean entered the Otago Provincial Council in 1869 as member for Waikouaiti, and almost at once became provincial treasurer. In 1871 he entered Parliament for the same constituency, which he represented for a few months, ill-health compelling him to resign in 1872. He was again returned in 1875, and sat till 1881. McLean was a member of the Vogel and Atkinson administrations, holding the portfolios of Commissioner of Customs, Postmaster-general, Commissioner of Telegraphs and Commissioner of Trade. In Dec 1881 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (on 17 Feb 1917).

McLean played an important part in the commercial and financial life of New Zealand. He was for 18 years chairman of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, and personally negotiated the sale of the business to the Bank of New Zealand on terms very favourable for the shareholders (1895). He was concerned with the inauguration of the Union Steam Ship Co., of which he was chairman until he resigned in 1907. In 1909 he was knighted. He was a prominent figure on the turf, owning many successful horses, and being for 30 years president of the Dunedin Jockey Club. He was also president of the Dunedin Liedertafel.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1917; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Ross; Otago Daily Times, 19 Feb 1917.

Reference: Volume 2, page 20

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